As a sommelier and brewer, I can provide some insights into Ballast Point and its significance in the craft beer industry. Ballast Point is a well-known brewery that originated in San Diego, California in 1996. It gained popularity for its innovative and flavorful beers, particularly their bold and hop-forward IPAs. Over the years, Ballast Point expanded its operations and became one of the largest craft breweries in the United States.
However, the brand has gone through some significant changes in recent years. In 2015, Ballast Point was acquired by Constellation Brands, a large beverage company. The acquisition was a surprising move that raised some concerns among craft beer enthusiasts about the brand's independence and authenticity. Despite the acquisition, Ballast Point continued to produce a wide range of beers and maintained its reputation for quality and innovation.
In 2017, Ballast Point's distillery business was spun off to create a separate company called Cutwater Spirits. This move allowed Ballast Point to focus solely on brewing beer while Cutwater Spirits could concentrate on producing spirits. Then, in 2019, Anheuser-Busch purchased Ballast Point from Constellation Brands, further reshaping the brand's ownership structure.
In December 2019, another significant development occurred when Chicago-based brewery Kings and Convicts announced its acquisition of Ballast Point from Constellation Brands. The details of this transaction were not publicly disclosed, but it marked yet another chapter in the ever-evolving journey of Ballast Point.
Regarding the specific question about the percentage of Ballast Point being “barmy,” it is important to note that this term can have different interpretations depending on the context. In the brewing industry, “barmy” is often used to describe a beer that has a high level of yeast character or a slightly wild and funky flavor profile. While Ballast Point has produced a wide variety of beers, including some experimental and barrel-aged offerings, it is not typically associated with being particularly “barmy” in this sense.
However, if by “barmy” you mean to ask about the percentage of alcohol content in Ballast Point beers, it varies depending on the specific beer style. Ballast Point offers a range of beers with different alcohol levels, from lighter sessionable ales to stronger and more robust brews. Some of their flagship IPAs, for example, have alcohol content ranging from 6% to 7% ABV (alcohol by volume), which is relatively standard for the style. Their specialty and limited-edition releases may have higher ABV percentages, sometimes reaching double digits.
To summarize the journey of Ballast Point, it started as an independent craft brewery, then went through multiple ownership changes, including being acquired by Constellation Brands and subsequently Anheuser-Busch. The brand's distillery business was spun off to create Cutwater Spirits, and it was later acquired by Kings and Convicts. Throughout these transitions, Ballast Point has maintained its reputation for brewing quality beers, particularly known for their IPAs, and has continued to innovate and experiment with new flavors and styles.
In my personal experience, I have enjoyed several Ballast Point beers and appreciate their commitment to producing high-quality brews. I have found their IPAs to be particularly well-crafted, with a strong focus on hop character and balanced flavors. While the brand's ownership changes have raised questions about its independence and authenticity within the craft beer community, the beers themselves have remained consistent and enjoyable.
Ballast Point's journey reflects the dynamic nature of the craft beer industry, where brands can experience changes in ownership and structure while still striving to deliver excellent products to consumers. The percentage of “barmy” in Ballast Point, whether in terms of yeast character or alcohol content, may vary depending on the specific beer style, but the brand's commitment to quality and innovation remains a constant.